2020 was not quite like you imagined. It has taught us to be more flexible, as well as changed our day to day behaviours. With this, 2020 has shaped consumer trends and behaviour which in turn has provided some sort of idea of predictions going into 2021 (Cross 2020: online). Particularly, packaging predictions: 2020 saw a major increase in e-commerce and small businesses and we don’t see that slowing down in the new year. At Impress Printers, we pride ourselves in keeping up with the latest trends of packaging globally, in order for you and your brand to maintain relevancy with on-brand design and packaging products.
Let’s see what we can expect from the print and packaging industry:
E-commerce
As mentioned, online shopping had a major moment this year, with a significant increase in consumers migrating online (Cross 2020: online). Of course, this was due to the fact that the world had entered a lockdown, but this created a culture for many consumers being motivated to make online purchases for the first time, and becoming comfortable with it.
For 2021, this increase in online shopping will continue as we think e-commerce will also continue to thrive, mostly due to consumer desires such as convenience, health and safety as well as enhanced brand engagement online (Cross 2020: online).
Gifting and packaging
We see gatherings for birthdays and other life events happening in 2021, this year saw less large gatherings however these milestones still took place. Even if family and friends can’t be together, they still want to celebrate in whatever meaningful way they can (Cross 2020: online). Therefore, gifting packaging will become more of a priority in terms on presentation, the human element and personalisation.
It is important to keep in mind that sentiment forms a large part of gifting, and cards are the ideal for conveying your sentimental messages (Cross 2020: online).
Get it right
Just as it were in 2020, consumer preference for personalisation will continue to grow. Market research has down us that consumers love when the product and package is “just right” for their wants and needs(Cross 2020: online). From the sizing, branding and different elements of engagement such as thank-you cards matter.
To sum it up, your packaging should tell the 2021 consumer that your brand was thinking of them in the process (Cross 2020: online).
The tech-savvy consumer
We all use some device to online shop and look at products. Therefore, it is quote important that you consider the experience of your product through these devices and therefore the consumer. This goes beyond the physical dimensions of packaging. A lot of consumers are receptive to experiential packaging elements such as QR codes, gamification, and augmented reality (Cross 2020: online).
These technological aspects are definitely something worth thinking about and implementing, as they can establish creativity in engaging consumers. Also, they give your brand the chance to produce packaging that is unique and stands out from the rest (Cross 2020: online).
The at-home lifestyle
We don’t see consumers habits changing much in 2021, for the near future anyway. Particularly referring to consumer’s habits at home, such as cooking and food. For example, fast-casual cooking at home will most likely outlast the virus (Cross 2020: online). Therefore, this means an increased demand for all the packaging associated with this behaviour change.
Now that we see what can potentially expect for the next few months, it is worthwhile for your brand to stay ahead of trends and ensure you are relevant, especially in the times we are living in. at Impress Printers, we have got you covered for all your packaging needs. From stickers, to wrapping paper and bags – our online store is your one-stop destination to get your brand ready and equipped for 2021.
Cross, R. 2020. Seven Consumer Trends for the New Year. Sonoco [Online]. Available: <https://www.sonoco.com/insights/2021-packaging-predictions>. [Accessed 31/12/2020].